Your Vehicle: 2009 Nissan-Datsun Altima V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
 
Vehicle » Steering and Suspension » Steering » Steering Wheel » Service and Repair » Procedures  
 
 
  Procedures  
 

STEERING WHEEL

Inspection

INSTALLATION CONDITION

  • Check installation conditions of steering gear assembly, front suspension assembly, axle and steering column assembly.
  • Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial direction.

Steering wheel axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)

STEERING WHEEL PLAY

  • Turn steering wheel so that front wheels come to the straight-ahead position. Start engine and lightly turn steering wheel to the left and right until front wheels start to move. Measure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference.

Steering wheel play : 0 - 35 mm (0 - 1.38 in)

  • When the measurement value is outside the standard value, check backlash for each joint of steering column assembly and installation condition of steering gear assembly.

NEUTRAL POSITION OF STEERING WHEEL

STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE

  1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
  2. Start engine.
  3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. Make sure the fluid temperature is approximately 60° to 80°C (140° to 176°F) . Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.

  

  1. Check steering wheel turning force using tool when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position.

  

  1. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check rack sliding force. Refer to See: Steering Gear\Service and Repair\Overhaul\Inspection.
  2. If rack sliding force is not within specifications, adjust rack sliding force. Refer to See: Steering Gear\Service and Repair\Overhaul\Inspection.
  3. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column. Refer to See: Steering Column\Service and Repair\Removal and Installation.

FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE

  • Check front wheel turning angle after toe-in Inspection. Place front wheels on turning radius gauges and rear wheels on stands.

  

Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH road wheels.

  • With the engine at idle, turn steering wheel from full left stop to full right stop and measure the turning angles.

  

  

  

  • Measure rack stroke if angles are outside the specified value.